Judges

PROFESSIONAL ENTRIES

Christine van Rooy

Managing Principal, VANROOY design

Christine’s entire career has been dedicated to the development and success of hospitality environments. Prior to completing her advanced education in Interior Architectural Design, Christine studied performance arts.  There, she developed a deep understanding of human behavior; the way people move, interact and experience their surrounding environment.

Christine brought that vision to her work completing over 115 projects in 4 countries; specializing in the creation of a unique restaurant, bar, and hotel experiences. As founder and managing principal, Christine works in tandem with her husband; although, she’s built an impressive track record for herself. A Nationally Certified Interior Designer, prior to launching VANROOY, Christine worked as the youngest Design Director for an award-winning international design firm and two Orange County based industry leaders. VANROOY design is now celebrating 12 years.

Born and raised in Southern California, Christine is a globe-trotting idea-gatherer, frequent design workshop leader and sought-after speaker with a passion for immersing herself in the details of design.

Ed Bakos

Partner & CEO, Champalimaud Design

With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality and restaurant design, Ed’s collaborations with high-profile clients on complex, award-winning projects have positioned him as a leading figure in the design industry. Ed joined Champalimaud as Managing Director in 2012 and applies his unparalleled expertise in design strategy to a variety of projects. Working closely with clients and the firm’s design teams, he shapes architectural space in support of the creation and evolution of luxury brands.

Over the course of his extensive career, Ed has led the design of many innovative hospitality projects, including the first W Hotel, the Belvedere Hotel in Mykonos, the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and the Andaz Wall Street. Ed served as Principal in charge of interior design for the Marina Bay Sands Casino project in Singapore.

In addition to his hospitality work, Ed has completed numerous signature restaurants and award-winning bars including the Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar, Jaleo Restaurant, and the Talon Club, as well as Langham Chicago’s new Travelle Restaurant. Other notable restaurants include The National and Town for chef Geoffrey Zakarian in New York, Wall and Water at the Andaz Wall Street, and Print Restaurant and Press Lounge at the Ink 48 hotel in New York.

For innovative and engaging guest experiences, Ed’s work has been the recipient of numerous design awards, including a Presidential Design Award for his role in the renovation of the Lower Concourse of New York’s Grand Central Terminal, several Gold Key Awards, and a Boutique Design Award for Best Hotel in 2010. He was a member of the Think Team for the World Trade Center redevelopment.

Ed graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture and received a Masters in Architecture from Harvard University. Before to settling in New York City, he taught architecture at Cornell University’s Rome Program and at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Ed returned to New York to join Rockwell Group, were he served as Principal and Studio Leader for 18 years.

Paul Makovsky

Editor-in-chief, Contract Magazine

Paul Makovsky is the editor in chief of Contract magazine—a New York-based publication about architecture, interiors, and design. A graduate of McGill University and the University of Toronto, he is currently writing a biography of the life and work of Florence Knoll Bassett.

STUDENT ENTRIES

Yulia Bortkevich

Senior Associate, Design Director, Gensler

With over 20 years of experience, Yulia has led the design of interiors for award-winning projects across industries. Yulia’s versatility as a designer is reflected in the breadth of project types from education and professional services to life sciences and high tech. Her projects are bespoke solutions as she collaborates closely with her clients to develop inspiring spaces that distinctively reflect each organization’s values, culture, and business strategies. Combining careful attention to the client’s input with a creative approach rooted in uniquely broad expertise, Yulia’s work results in functional, sustainable and innovative design.

Educated both in Europe and the United States, Yulia has a diverse perspective on architecture and design. She fuels her creativity through diverse travel and finds inspiration in fine arts as well as theater and film.

Scott Butler

Founding Director | Architect, Wilson Butler Architects

Scott Butler, AIA is one of the founding partners of Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects, a nationally-renowned practice dedicated to the arts and entertainment. For over 20 years, Scott and his business and design partner, Scott Wilson, AIA have developed a highly collaborative style that supports unique solutions for their clients.

Wilson Butler Architects has been a Royal Caribbean design partner since 1997’s Voyager of the Seas, for which they created the first onboard ice-skating rink (Studio B), more recently, the firm was selected to provide master planning for Icon of the Seas. They have further left an indelible mark across more than 37 unique ships and over 160 venues, under the Royal Caribbean International brand including iconic spaces such as Central Park, AquaTheater, North Star, Two70, Ultimate Abyss, Quantum Solarium, Celebrity Lawn Club, Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Show, and TUI Cruises Klanghaus.

Scott brings innovative design, and deeply committed responsiveness to each project, whether it is a cruise ship, performing arts center, concert hall, dance studio or night club. In addition to ship design, he has worked nationally on over 50 arts-centered projects such as Auburn University and Broward’s Center for the Performing Arts.

Scott is an avid sailor who lives with his wife and 4 children (by the sea), and commutes to work by ferry, thus demonstrating his strong belief that a life lived on land and sea provides the ideal balance.

Daniel Figueredo

Partner/ Design Director, R E Dinneen Architects & Planners

Mr. Figueredo’s extensive experience includes working as a Project Architect, Interior Designer and Project Manager. His projects include award-winning public work, Corporate, and Colleges and Universities. At R E Dinneen Architects & Planners, Inc., Danny takes a lead role in design, developing overall design concepts, selecting materials and finishes, and performing the duties of a Senior Project Architect.

In his role as Design Director, Danny oversees and mentors junior staff, and provides technical know-how of custom detailing, materials selections, lighting design, color theory and application, and construction documents production. These projects include award-winning public work, corporate life sciences interiors, high-end residential, and colleges and universities. Danny enjoys collecting art, gardening, reading, traveling, painting, photography, cooking and performing arts.